Interview Body Language: Nonverbal Communication
How to project competence, confidence, and professionalism through conscious body language - the key to successful job interviews.
93% of communication is nonverbal - your body language determines the first impression within the first 7 seconds.
Professional body language can be learned and can make the difference between success and rejection.
You've prepared the perfect answer to every question, your resume is flawless, and you know the company inside and out. But then you sit in the job interview and your body language sends completely different signals than your words. Crossed arms, avoided eye contact, or a limp handshake can undo all your preparation. The good news: professional body language can be learned and becomes your most powerful tool in interviews.
These four pillars form the foundation of professional nonverbal communication:
Your posture communicates confidence and attention
✓ Correct:
Straight but relaxed spine. Shoulders back but not tense. Feet firmly on the ground, slightly leaning forward toward the conversation partner.
✗ Incorrect:
Slumped in chair, crossed arms, leaning back or too far forward. Rocking or constantly changing position.
The direct path to trust and credibility
✓ Correct:
60-70% of the time direct eye contact. Natural pauses for thinking. With multiple interviewers: distribute gaze evenly.
✗ Incorrect:
Staring without interruption, constantly looking away, looking at phone or notes, only looking at one person in panel interviews.
The first and last physical contact - it must be right
✓ Correct:
Firm but not crushing grip. Hold for 2-3 seconds. Dry palms. Full hand contact, not just fingertips.
✗ Incorrect:
Limp 'dead fish', too firm/painful, moist palms, only fingertips touching, holding too long.
Your face is the mirror of your personality
✓ Correct:
Authentic, warm smile during greeting. Interested, attentive expression during conversation. Emotions appropriate to the situation.
✗ Incorrect:
Constant smiling without context, expressionless face, frowning or skeptical facial expressions, exaggerated reactions.
Dos & Don'ts: The Most Important Rules
A clear checklist for successful interview body language:
- Arrive punctually 5-10 minutes before the appointment
- Stand and walk upright - even in waiting areas
- Turn phone to silent and put it away
- Listen actively through nodding and interested body language
- Place hands visibly on table or lap
- Use natural gestures to support your statements
- Show appropriate reactions to humor
- Stay calm during difficult questions
- Signal interest by leaning slightly forward
- Professional farewell with handshake
- Crossing arms in front of chest
- Constantly touching face, hair, or clothing
- Playing with pens or other objects
- Slouching in chair or appearing too relaxed
- Burying hands in pants pockets
- Constantly looking at watch or phone
- Exaggerated or hectic gestures
- Yawning or bored body language
- Too little distance or touching
- Nervous tics like leg bouncing or finger drumming
How to behave during the critical phases of the interview:
When Entering the Room
- Enter confidently but not arrogantly
- Pause briefly to take in the room
- Friendly eye contact with everyone present
- Wait to be shown to your seat
- Be grateful for the invitation - verbally and nonverbally
In the Waiting Room
- Upright posture even when sitting
- Put phone away, observe environment instead
- Be friendly to assistants and reception staff
- No private phone calls or messages
- Appear relaxed but attentive
During Difficult Questions
- Breathe calmly and take thinking time
- Keep body language open, don't close off
- Maintain direct eye contact
- Keep hands visible, don't hide them
- Underscore honesty with open gestures
These unconscious signals can ruin your chances:
The Nervous Fidgeter
Problem:
Constant movement, playing with objects, leg bouncing - signals stress and unprofessionalism
Solution:
Consciously adopt calm posture, place hands deliberately, breathe deeply when nervous
The Barrier Builder
Problem:
Crossed arms, bag in front of body, turned shoulders - appears closed off and uninterested
Solution:
Open body posture, relaxed arms, facing the interviewer, don't use objects as shields
The Eye Avoidance Game
Problem:
Constantly looking away, staring at notes, looking out window - appears insecure or dishonest
Solution:
60-70% direct eye contact, natural pauses, distribute gaze evenly with multiple people
The Power Pose Exaggeration
Problem:
Too dominant posture, exaggerated gestures, taking up too much space - can appear arrogant
Solution:
Confident but respectful demeanor, appropriate gestures, share space with others
The Authenticity Loss
Problem:
Completely unnatural posture, exaggerated smiling, robotic movements
Solution:
Practice at home, stay natural, adapt body language to your own personality
Online conversations require adapted body language strategies:
Camera Eye Contact
- Look directly into the camera, not at the screen
- Position camera at eye level
- Small arrow sticker next to camera as reminder
Gestures in Frame
- Keep hands in visible area
- Gestures slightly larger than normal, but not exaggerated
- Consciously slower movements - everything appears faster online
Energy and Presence
- 10-15% more energy than in person - camera 'absorbs' charisma
- Consciously upright posture, even if only upper body is visible
- Enhance smile slightly - appears more neutral online
Technical Body Language
- Test run beforehand for natural movements within frame
- Communicate backup plan for technical problems
- Stay calm during connection issues - shows professionalism
Body language norms vary depending on the company's cultural background:
Germany/Austria/Switzerland
Eye Contact:
Direct, longer eye contact expected - shows honesty and respect
Handshake:
Firm, brief handshake. Important for greeting and farewell
Personal Space:
Larger personal distance preferred, restrained gestures
USA/Canada
Eye Contact:
Frequent eye contact, but with more variations and smiling
Handshake:
Firm handshake often with patting on shoulder or arm
Personal Space:
Somewhat less formal, more open and expressive gestures accepted
Asian Region
Eye Contact:
Respectful but not staring eye contact - especially to superiors
Handshake:
Light handshake or bow, depending on country
Personal Space:
Greater respectful distance, more restrained body language
Perfect your interview body language with these exercises:
Mirror Training
Practice authentic body language in front of the mirror
Answer typical interview questions out loud
Pay attention to facial expressions and gestures
Try different sitting positions
Critical self-observation without exaggeration
Video Recording
Create mock interview videos for self-analysis
Set up smartphone and conduct 10-minute mock interview
Watch video without sound - evaluate only body language
Identify disturbing habits
Repeat until natural improvement is visible
Daily Training
Integrate conscious body language into everyday life
Pay attention to posture during important conversations
Practice eye contact in normal conversations
Consciously notice handshake at every greeting
Get feedback from friends and family
Stress Simulation
Practice body language under pressure
Have friends ask difficult questions
Simulate time pressure
Include disturbing elements
Learn to maintain calm body language despite stress
Your Path to Convincing Body Language
Professional body language is not a talent, but a learnable skill. With conscious practice and attention to nonverbal signals, you will make a convincing first impression in every interview. Remember: authenticity beats perfection. Use these techniques as a framework, but stay true to yourself. Your personality should be emphasized, not hidden, by professional body language.
Ready to perfect your interview skills?
Related Articles
Learn the proven technique for structured, convincing answers in behavioral interviews.
Read ArticleStrategies for dealing with difficult questions and honest presentation of weaknesses.
Read ArticleSpecial strategies for technical interviews and coding challenges.
Read Article